It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved grandfather, and husband David John Graba on the 10th of January 2016.
Born in Port Arthur to Pauline and Peter Graba on the 6th of August 1939. A graduate of Hillcrest High School, David was a life-long resident of Thunder Bay. He worked in the front office for Gasparotto Construction for 45 years retiring in 2004.
Family was most important to Dave, especially with the grandchildren and he was an enthusiastic supporter of all their activities. Church of the Holy Cross was also of great significance to Dave, where he volunteered and served on numerous committees and was a long-time member of the St. George’s Society and the Golden Agers (Holy Cross).
In his younger days, Dave refereed minor hockey for many years. But his greatest enjoyment away from home came with his running buddies at Confederation College. The camaraderie that grew with the Thunder Bay Striders was very special to him. The countless road trips to all the 10k’s and marathons were always fondly recalled.
Can you believe Dave completed 7 marathons? The Captain always looked forward to “Shirley and Dave’s Annual BBQ” with his running crew. And later on, coffee with “the guys” was not to be missed. Shirl and Dave enjoyed their get-aways, either cruising in the
Caribbean, hanging out in Florida with friends or visiting their sons and grandchildren in Southern Ontario (not to mention just enjoying camp).
Dave was an enthusiastic volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Center for many years. In addition he was charity Bingo Caller Extraordinaire for St. George’s Society and Magnus Theatre. He was also a fairly disappointed fan of the Minnesota Vikings.
Dave was predeceased by his parents and brother Allen; mother-in-law and father-in-law Ann and James Geddes: brother-in-law John Geddes of Toronto. He will be forever missed by his sons James (Aileen) Niagara on the Lake, Brian (Melanie) Thunder Bay, Dennis (Teresa) Oakville, Grandpa Dave will be fondly missed by his grandchildren Andrew and Jonathon (Thunder Bay), Mitchell and Mackenzie (Niagara on the Lake) and Summer (Oakville). But most of all, his memory will live on in the heart of the love of his life, Shirley, wife of 53 years. David is also survived by sister-in-law Kathy (Mike Pavicich), Barbara (Wayne Savage), Brenda and brother-in-law Ron Geddes (Jennifer) and many more nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held be held on the 14th of January 2016, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Cross, 415 West Victoria Avenue. Visitation will be one hour before services. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated by Father Yuri. Private interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
If desired, donations may be made to The Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Center and the St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn or a charity of your choice. Blake Funeral Home is in care of arrangements
David Graba will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017
